Finger carving tool

ABSTRACT

A tool especially suited for use by a person having limited muscular control. The tool has a tool supporting frame and interchangeable tool supports. A variety of tools can be attached. These tools include a single cutting tool, gangs of cutting tools. The finger and thumb receiving members are curved to conform to the curvature of the finger and thumb of the user.

United States Patent [191 111 3,798,689 Kasemer Mar. 26, 1974 FINGER CARVING TOOL 2,296,663 9/1942 Gruber 30/291 x 2,256,098 9/1941 Mauldin r r 51/392 X [76] Inventor: Andrew G. Kasemer, 999 Lumber 3 540 160 H [970 D R t 51 391 X Rd. Meadvmc Pa. 16335 e ose e a.

[221 Filed: Feb. 24, 1972 Appi. No.: 228,807

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Knapp 30/298 Primary Examiner-Harold D. Whitehead Assistant Examiner-Roscoe V. Parker [5 7] ABSTRACT A too] especially suited for use by a person having limited muscular control. The tool has a tool supporting frame and interchangeable tool supports. A variety of tools can be attached. These tools include a single cutting tool, gangs of cutting tools. The finger and thumb receiving members are curved to conform to the curvature of the finger and thumb of the user.

11 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTED HARZB I974 SHEET 2 BF 2 Z m F FINGER CARVING TOOL GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The wood working tool is primarily for the handicapped. It is designed for controlled carving for: l senior citizens; (2) arthritics; (3) stroke victims (partial paralysis); (4) hobbyists; and (5) older children. The carver has the following advantages: (1) carver designed for simplicity of operation and simplicity of insertion, stabilization, and adjustment of cutters; (2) degree of safety in carving; (3) professional cut with uniformity; and (4) controlled operation-among its features is the principle of locking the thumb and forefinger into the tool in a natural position by means of finger boots and thus controlling and stabilizing the hold by preventing twisting, turning, flipping, slipping, and general fumbling during operation. The device can also be expanded to the use of more fingers locked in position, as desired, even to involving the whole hand.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved cutting tool.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tool suitable for use by a person having limited muscular control of his hands.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for use by a person having limited physical impairment.

With the above and other objects in view, the present invention consists of the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the form, size, proportions, and minor details of construction without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the tool according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the tool according to the invention. 8

FIG. 3 is another partial isometric view of the tool.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Now with more particular reference to the drawings, the tool has a platelike base 10 having the hollow finger boot 11 and hollow thumb boot 12 attached thereto. Several finger receiving members could be used if desired, however, only a single finger receiving member is shown. The finger boot member 11 is curved at the knuckle and has a hollow 32 which is disposed to receive the index finger of a person using the device when the platelike base 10 is disposed in a generally horizontal plane or moved in some plane at an angle to the finger receiving member, as shown, bent up to receive the thumb and finger. Thethumb boot 12 has a hollow 33 disposed in a direction generally at approximately 180 to the hollow 32 and at right angles to the part of the finger receiving member that is vertically dis-posed and suitable to receive the first joint of the thumb of the user. The hollow boot 32 will receive the first joint and part of the second joint of the index finger of the user. The platelike base 10 can be extended an additional amount laterally so that additional finger boots can be attached to receive additional fingers.

The design is such that the fingers are locked into the tool in the most comfortable position for maximum control and regulation in usage. These boots can be formed of different materials (acrylic, plastic, metal, etc.) and in different sizes (small medium, large-or an impression may be taken of the thumb and forefinger in position for a custom fit for the particular individual).

The base 10 may be attached to the bottom of the finger boots by using any of a variety of methods, such as gluing, screws, fusion, etc. and formed of material of choice, such as metal, acrylic, plastic, etc.

The attachment of the base plate and of the tools can be made at any angle to suit the comfort and perogative of the individual user. The baseplate may be eliminated and the finger boots attached directly to the top surface of the carver base.

The tool support 34 is fixed to the base 10 and it has the dovetail grooves 15 and 16 formed on the opposite sides thereof. The grooves 15 and 16 receive the dovetail members 23, 24 and 25 which are integral with the tool supporting blocks 17, 18 and 19 respectively. The

tool supporting blocks have vertical bores and receive the pins 26, 27 and 28 respectively which have tools 20, 21 and 22 respectively on their lower ends. The tool support 34 has a horizontal bore through it which receives the guide rod 13. The guide rod 13 has the guide member 14 on it which may engage the side of member being carved with the tools 20, 21 and 22. The guide rod is for use in straight or circle carving.

The support blocks l7, l8 and 19 are designed with tongues 23, 24 and 25 on one side to fit into and slide along grooves 15 and 16 of base 10. A hole runs vertically through it to accept shank of cutters 26, 27 and 28 and make possible movement up or down for depth of cut by cutter. There is a threaded hole to the side of support blocks for a set screw to lock stationary in place the shank of cutter. There is also a threaded hole in front and to the side of the shank hole for a set screw to lock in place the support blocks against the base of the carver. The front can be marked in line with the cutter blade for ease of following the line of cut. The cutters 26, 27 and 28 each consist of a shank which fits in a hole of the support blocks and a blade, either formed in one piece or a blade attached to the shank. The shank can be marked with measurement lines for accuracy in setting the blade for depth of cut. Cutter with blades can be made at any machine shop to desired designs of cuts to suit the carving desired. Blades can be formed in a variety of shapes. The cutter can be locked in position for forward carving or right angle to the base for carving sideways, or any angle.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, a tool support body 134 is shown which can have the members like 11 and 12 fixed to it. The blocks 117 and 118 have bores 125 and 129 which receive the pins 126 and 127 that have the blade fixed on them for planing. The pins 126 and 127 may be locked in place by means of set screws 123.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, block 234 has a dovetail groove 223 which receives the dovetail member 225 on the pillow blocks 222 and 224.

A tool is shown received in a hole 231 in the block 233. The pins 229 and 228 can be inserted in openings 230 and 231 and the member 243 can be used to support sandpaper 221 which has an opening 225, which may receive the pin 226. The sandpaper may be used in engagement with the backing plate 240 in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art.

in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4 the side of platelike support body 334 opposite clamp 325 is intended to be attached to a platelike side of base member 10, opposite members 11 and 12 of FIG. 1. A file, rasp, knife blade or other tool could be clamped in the C clamp 325 and attached by clamp screw 318.

in usage, the thumb and crooked forefinger are placed in finger boots. The base with support block and cutter in position is placed firmly on surface and in line with direction of desired cut. With firm, steady pressure and with uniform movement, the cut is made. Blades should be set to make a shallow cut first, then reset successively lower in stages for deeper cuts until desired depth is achieved. The offset blades may be used for linear cuts to edges and/or set shank with blade with right angles to base for sideways cuts. The cutter may be set for forward or backward swipes. One cutter may be set in front, one cutter set in the rear, and

the rear cutter may be set a little lower. In this way, a

deeper uniform out can be made with a single swipe as the forward cutter begins the cut, the rear cutter cuts deeper more easily. Two cutters may also be positioned in front and/or in back to cut multiple grooves in less swipes. A dull blade (or dummy blade of same design as sharp blade in front) may be placed in the rear. After out has been started, the dull or dummy blade may be used as a guide in continuing cut. After one cut is already made, two support blocks may be placed in the same groove in front of cutter base and/or back with sharp blade in one support block and dummy blade of same shape and size placed in the other support block with desired distance apart. Then positioning dummy blade in cut already made and using this manner as guide for the other cut, a series of cuts can be made thus uniformly apart. A blade of the same size and shape of cut with emery dust can be positioned and used to sand or smooth cuts already formed.

The foregoing specification sets forth the invention in its preferred practical forms but the structure shown is capable of modification within a range of equivalents without departing from the invention which is to be understood is broadly novel as is commensurate with the appended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A tool comprising,

a base,

at least two spaced hollow boots,

said boots being fixed to said base,

said hollow boots being adapted to receive the thumb and forefinger of a person,

a tool support member fixed to said base and carrying a tool for engaging work to be processed.

2. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said tool comprises a cutting blade.

3. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow boots have hollows that are disposed at approximately l to each other whereby the first joint of said thumb of said person and the first joint of said forefinger of said person can be inserted in said hollow boots.

4. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said tool support member is attached to said base,

said tool support member has at least one dovetail groove therein, tool support blocks having dovetail members received in said dovetail groove sup ported on said tool support member, and said tool being defined by a pair of tools attached to said tool support.

5. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein a laterally disposed opening is formed in said tool support member attached to said base,

and a guide rod is disposed in said opening,

a guide member is attached to end of said guide rod,

said guide rod having means for adjustably supporting said guide rod at various distances from said support whereby said guide rod may be adjusted.

6. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said tool comprises a blade having two spaced pins attached thereto,

said two spaced pins being received in spaced openings in said tool support member.

7. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said tool comprises sandpaper and a sandpaper support is attached to said tool support member by means of two spaced pins attached to a plate member having a curved front surface,

said pins are received in said tool support members,

and a sandpaper sheet,

said sandpaper sheet having an opening therein,

said opening in said sandpaper sheet being adapted to receive pin means supported on said tool support member.

8. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein a guide means is provided on said base for controlling the movement of said base over said work.

9. The tool recited in claim 8 wherein said base has a flat surface on the side thereof remote from said hollow boot and said tool member projects from said flat surface.

10. The tool recited in claim 9 wherein a cutting tool is attached to said base adjacent said first mentioned tool and said tools are disposed in engagement with said work at two spaced positions whereby two traces can be cut in said work.

11. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein a clamp is attached to said base,

said clamp being adapted to secure said tool to said base. 

1. A tool comprising, a base, at least two spaced hollow boots, said boots being fixed to said base, said hollow boots being adapted to receive the thumb and forefinger of a person, a tool support member fixed to said base and carrying a tool for engaging work to be processed.
 2. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said tool comprises a cutting blade.
 3. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow boots have hollows that are disposed at approximately 180* to each other whereby the first joint of said thumb of said person and the first joint of said forefinger of said person can be inserted in said hollow boots.
 4. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said tool support member is attached to said base, said tool support member has at least one dovetail groove therein, tool support blocks having dovetail members received in said dovetail groove supported on said tool support member, and said tool being defined by a pair of tools attached to said tool support.
 5. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein a laterally disposed opening is formed in said tool support member attached to said base, and a guide rod is disposed in said opening, a guide member is attached to end of said guide rod, said guide rod having means for adjustably supporting said guide rod at various distances from said support whereby said guide rod may be adjusted.
 6. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said tool comprises a blade having two spaced pins attached thereto, said two spaced pins being received in spaced openings in said tool support member.
 7. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein said tool comprises sandpaper and a sandpaper support is attached to said tool support member by means of two spaced pins attached to a plate member havinG a curved front surface, said pins are received in said tool support members, and a sandpaper sheet, said sandpaper sheet having an opening therein, said opening in said sandpaper sheet being adapted to receive pin means supported on said tool support member.
 8. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein a guide means is provided on said base for controlling the movement of said base over said work.
 9. The tool recited in claim 8 wherein said base has a flat surface on the side thereof remote from said hollow boot and said tool member projects from said flat surface.
 10. The tool recited in claim 9 wherein a cutting tool is attached to said base adjacent said first mentioned tool and said tools are disposed in engagement with said work at two spaced positions whereby two traces can be cut in said work.
 11. The tool recited in claim 1 wherein a clamp is attached to said base, said clamp being adapted to secure said tool to said base. 